Lecture series covering various Judaic topics with emphasis on analysis of the Torah
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Summer Session 2: Thunderous Silence
1:02:15
1:02:15
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In this episode, after opening with some zen koans, we begin a discussion of the dialectic method of Zen, as well as the Buddhist notion of emptiness. We connect these teachings with the lessons learned by Elijah the prophet in I Kings 19.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Summer Session 1: Act Natural
1:01:43
1:01:43
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In this podcast, we open with a few Zen koans focusing on the practical elements of Zen. We then explore the theme of naturalness as it manifests in Zen and how this relates to the doctrine of dialectical thinking. We close with some insights about Moshe Rabbenu from Parashat Huqqat.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 26: The Sound of Water
1:07:39
1:07:39
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1:07:39
In this podcast, the season finale, we begin with some talking points about "God's plan." After a series of interesting koans, we shift to Alan Watts' discussion of Zen culture and Zen as a cure for being "too civilized." We finish off with some uplifting quotes by Rav Kook.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 25: Superior Virtue of Tao
1:00:17
1:00:17
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1:00:17
In this class, we begin with some psychotherapeutic talking points relevant to world events today. After a Zen Koan, we then delve into a discussion of the word Te, virtue, in the Tao Te Ching. We close by finally finishing the story from Rabbi Nachman, The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 24: The Stormy Wind
1:22:23
1:22:23
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1:22:23
In this podcast, we open with some important psychology for modern times. Next, we move to some Zen Koans and the wisdom of Alan Watts. After a beautiful quote from Rav Kook, we close with the penultimate portion of The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 23: The No-Sword School
1:07:22
1:07:22
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1:07:22
In this podcast, we open with some quotes from Alan Watts regarding the No-Sword School and the Controlled Accident. After some more Zen Koans, we finish with our continued study of The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 22: The Harmonious Whole
1:11:10
1:11:10
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In this class, we open with some beautiful quotes from the Tao te Ching. We discuss the applicability to the political situation the world faces today and how we can remain in a state of peace all the while. After some Zen Koans, we continue our quest of The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 21: Zekhut Abot
1:07:25
1:07:25
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In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding the formless perfection of the Tao. We continue with a discussion of Zekhut Abot, the merit of our forefathers. We transition to Alan Watts' discussion of pain and the Buddha's teachings on deliverance from suffering. We end with a the continued story of The Lost Princess and the…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 20: Spiritual Medicine
1:08:30
1:08:30
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1:08:30
In this podcast, we open with the words of Alan Watts, cautioning the audience against spiritual addictions. We continue with various talking points and then we close with the next episodes within The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 19: Twinkle in the Eye
1:05:12
1:05:12
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In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching, then continue our discussion on working with anger. We segue into Alan Watts' eulogy of Carl Jung and Carl Jung's penetrating words on the shadow element. After a couple of Zen Koans, we close with our continued quest of Rabbi Nachman's The Lost Princess.…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 18: The Perfect Curriculum
1:08:20
1:08:20
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In this episode, we open with some talking points about Zen. We then move into a discussion of skillful handling of anger, drawing from the teachings of Ram Dass. Next, we explore a quote from the Bhagavad Gita to understand how even a war can be fought with compassion and wisdom. We close with further discussions regarding Rabbi Nachman's The Lost…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 17: The Lost Princess
59:50
59:50
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In this podcast, we open with some beautiful quotes from Kabir and Rumi. We continue with some more stories from Maharajji, the guru of Ram Dass, then with a few Zen Koans. We dedicate part 2 of the class to a story from Rabbi Nachman called The Lost Princess.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 16: Love Everyone
1:09:00
1:09:00
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In this class, we begin with some insights about the glowing face of Moses. We continue with some stories and quotes from Ram Dass and his guru Maharajji, followed by some Zen Koans. We end with the Zohar's exposition of the legendary staff of Moses.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 15: The Universe Within
1:01:06
1:01:06
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In this episode, we open with the wise words of the late great Indian guru Nisargadatta. We continue with a series of Zen stories from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the Divine communion that takes place whenever we engage in study of Torah.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 14: You are Peace
1:07:00
1:07:00
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1:07:00
In this podcast, we open with the words of H. W. L. Poonja: You are Peace. We continue with some more Zen Stories from Zen Flesh Zen Bones and we close with the Zohar's warnings about sexual misconduct.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 13: Tao is Now
1:03:54
1:03:54
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In this class, we open with a series of Zen stories that impart a direct seeing into our own nature. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Ridiculous and we end with R' Shimon bar Yohai's mystical vision on the eve of Shabuot.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 12: Water and Ice
1:13:16
1:13:16
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In this class, we begin with the wisdom of a teacher of the Dalai Lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. We continue with Thoreau and Alan Watts, finishing with the Zohar's further teachings on Genesis.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 11: Emptiness
1:04:19
1:04:19
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In this podcast, we begin with the story of the great Hui-Neng and his teachings on emptiness. We continue with The Mirror of Essential Points by Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and some words from Alan Watts. We close with the outstanding mystical experiences of R Elazar, R Abba, and R Shimon bar Yohai.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 10: The Perfected Mind
53:57
53:57
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In this class, we discuss the Hsin Hsin Ming, an early Chinese text expressing the mindset of Taoism. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Fool. We finish with a cliffhanger about the rabbis of the Zohar having a paranormal experience.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy: Season 2 Episode 9: Unlocking Hidden Power
1:04:42
1:04:42
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In this podcast, we begin with the epic of Hanuman and derive the lessons that this story implies about the ego's journey. We end with the Zohar's closing remarks from the Arab Caravaner enlightening the sages R' Abba and R' Elazar.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 8: Crossing the River
1:02:22
1:02:22
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In this episode, we read some sections from Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, reflecting on their significance toward the 'attainment' of enlightenment. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the flow of emanation and Shekhinah's persistence in the face of judgement.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Vayiggash 2023: From Dreamer to Dream Interpreter
8:47
8:47
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In this podcast, we focus on the character arc of Yoseph and his transformation during the last few parshiyyot.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 7: Where the River Meets the Sea
1:02:45
1:02:45
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In this episode, we run through a variety of musings, from quotes of Khalil Gibran to Pinocchio. We close with the Zohar's continued discussion between the rabbis and their alleged Arab Taya'a or caravaner.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 6: The Secret Teaching
1:04:09
1:04:09
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In this episode, we open with a collection of Zen stories and koans. We finish with the continuation of the Zohar's meditation about Shabbat.By Michael Franco
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In this podcast, we explore the mystery of who this mysterious "man" was, with whom Yaaqob struggled. We connect this with the timeless advice of Carl Jung.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 5: The Entry Point
1:08:06
1:08:06
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In this class, we open with some Zen wisdom regarding that which can never be verbalized. We close with the Zohar's discussion of Shabbat and the representation of Shekhinah as a single point within the geometric overlay of the Universe.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 4: The Sport of Our Love
1:03:38
1:03:38
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In this episode, we open with a quote from Kabir, continuing then with further study and practice of Zen. We end with the Zohar's readings of the days of Creation leading up to Shabbat.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Toledot 2023: The Value of Yede Esav
9:39
9:39
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In this week's podcast, we discuss the importance of physical might for the sake of preserving spiritual goals.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 3: Spiritual Competition
1:00:56
1:00:56
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In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Upanishads. We connect some of this wisdom with the Zohar's discussion of spiritual competition with angels.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Hayye Sarah 2023: Our Homeland Now and Forever
8:45
8:45
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In this podcast, we explain the importance of a sense of belonging to one's land for the sake of mental health. We show how the Parasha emphasizes Abraham's dedication to the land of Israel belonging to his descendants through Yishaq.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 2: The Messiah Cries
1:02:14
1:02:14
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In this fun episode, we recap the moving vision of Rabbi Hiyya. We continue with some haiku and Zen sayings that express some profound ideas and serve as the proverbial "finger pointing at the moon."By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 1: This Present Moment
1:04:25
1:04:25
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In the season premiere of Spiritual Psychotherapy, we begin by setting our sights on our spiritual goals for this season. We dedicate part 2 of the class to the Zohar's depiction of the vision of Rabbi Hiyya in the heavenly academy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai.By Michael Franco
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In this year's Noah podcast, we focus on the game-changers while we drown in the chaos of Hamas.By Michael Franco
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A tribute to Ariel Eliyahu A"H and all the heroes who have lost their lives Al Kiddush Hashem, glorifying the name of God.By Michael Franco
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In this year's Rosh Hashanah, we aim our sights on the Akeda and the symbolism of the shofar, drawing inspiration from the shofar that survived Auschwitz.By Michael Franco
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The 4 Who Entered Paradise: A Study of Mysticism and Psychosis
1:13:44
1:13:44
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In this class, we explore the stories from Masekhet Hagigah 14b, which shed light on the 4 rabbis who entered paradise, each with a separate fate.By Michael Franco
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In this podcast, we show that the linguistic connections between Moshe and the Blasphemer teach us an important lesson about the balance of identity.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Ahare Mot-Kedoshim: Double Bind of the Ego
7:14
7:14
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In this podcast, we show how Aharon presents the solution to the double-bind of the ego.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 17: God and Man
1:11:09
1:11:09
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In this final episode of the season, we open with some Zen stories, continue with some wisdom from the Tao te Ching, and close with the Zohar's recounting of the primordial events of Creation. We notice the intentional blurring of the lines between God and Mankind.By Michael Franco
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In this podcast, we explore the relationship between REM sleep, PTSD, and the events of Pesah.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 16: You’re It
1:02:17
1:02:17
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In this podcast, we dive back into some Zen stories meant to impart an intuitive understanding of Reality. We close with a continuation of the Zohar's discussion of Creation and the mysterious relationship between the upper sefirot.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Vayikra 2023: Reductionism and Emergence
5:55
5:55
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In this week's podcast, we analyze the phrase haddam hu hannafesh -- the blood is the life force. We expand into a discussion of reductionism and emergence, dualism and monism.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 15: Mysterious Two that is One
58:56
58:56
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In this podcast, we explore the limits of words, the beauty of partnership, and the mystery of dualism.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 14: Near Death Experiences
59:20
59:20
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In this podcast, we begin with some super-interesting accounts from individuals who survived jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. We transition to the Zohar with a surprising lesson about the dangers of both dualism and monism that we learn from the letter Saddi.By Michael Franco
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In this podcast, we compare the identity crisis in the Parasha to the identity crisis in America today.By Michael Franco
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In this podcast, we explore the role of comedy in Judaism and in Megillat Ester.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 13: Alphabet Soup
1:02:02
1:02:02
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In this podcast, we begin with ideas of Creation as set forth in the Tao te Ching, drawing connections to how Creation is portrayed by the Zohar.By Michael Franco
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Parashat Mishpatim 2023: The Untold Story Behind the Law
8:17
8:17
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In this week's podcast, we try to show a clear trend within our parasha, in which many of the laws seem to be allusions to familiar stories from Genesis.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 12: Zohar Part 3: The Singularity
1:06:33
1:06:33
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In this podcast, we open with the famous "snake simile" with its warnings about the spiritual path. We continue our readings of the Tao te Ching and the Zohar, highlighting the beautiful derasha revealed to Rabbi Shimon by Elijah the Prophet.By Michael Franco
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 11: Zohar Part 2: Genesis
1:08:10
1:08:10
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In this podcast, we begin with the opening of the Tao te Ching, noticing parallels to the Zohar. We then begin with the Zohar's cryptic commentary on Genesis and Creation.By Michael Franco
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